As the Autumn term draws to a close, our School’s music department has delivered a rich programme of events that showcased the talent, dedication, and creativity of our pupils. From ensemble performances to co-curricular concerts, the term has been filled with opportunities for pupils to share their passion for music with the wider community.
To reflect on the highlights of the season, we spoke with Mr For, Head of Instrumental Music, and Mr Whiting, Assistant Director of Music – Co-Curricular.
Interview with Mr Fort, Head of Instrumental Music
Looking back at the autumn term so far, which instrumental events or performances have stood out to you?
For me, every event is special. They bring together pupils, teachers, and parents, plus, after weeks of coaching, we get to watch the pupils take charge of the moment, which is always inspiring. This term, I oversaw the Singing Festival and Soloist Evenings. The Singing Festival is always a revelation because pupils show a different side of themselves when they take on the characters from their favourite songs. Meanwhile, the Soloist Evenings always have a warm and supportive atmosphere and are great performance opportunities for musicians of all levels.
Were there any standout performances that really stayed with you?
One highlight of the Singing Festival was a performance of Queen’s Radio Ga Ga in which the pupil took command of the whole stage and even got the audience involved! Meanwhile, one of our Soloist Evenings featured a remarkably accomplished performance of Schumann’s Kinderszenen, a suite of pieces well known for its technical challenges. Beyond these, Prizegiving performances, Remembrance Assemblies, the School musical, a Chamber Music Concert, with the Autumn Concerts, Jazz and Pop Night, and various Christmas events on the horizon. The range of opportunities is something we’re very proud of.
How do Visiting Music Teachers enrich the programme here?
We have 24 Visiting Music Teachers who, beyond Surbiton, undertake busy and exciting careers as freelance performers. Between them, they have performed at many of the world’s leading venues, from Carnegie Hall to the O2 Academy Brixton, working with artists like Katherine Jenkins and Take That. We have teachers who have featured in the Last Night of the Proms and BBC Young Musician of the Year and others who you can hear on the soundtracks some of the nation’s favourite TV shows. Their breadth of expertise and experience enriches our programme enormously.
Interview with Mr Whiting, Assistant Director of Music – Co-Curricular
The school musical is always a big event — how did this year’s come together?
This term has been busy, with the School musical as a major highlight. This year’s musical, West Side Story, is the most ambitious one we’ve ever tackled, especially given we were performing it with its original orchestration. Putting the band together was a huge undertaking, involving not only pupils but also colleagues across departments, Visiting Music Teachers, and even a School governor. Although the planning starts a year in advance with the drama department, rehearsals begin in earnest from September. My favourite rehearsal in the process is always the first Saturday rehearsal after the October half term – it’s when the cast and band join together for the first time, and it’s when we know we’re about to put on a fantastic show!
What other events captured the spirit of music this term?
Our Choral Showcase was a standout, with 150 pupils singing across all year groups. It showed the depth of engagement and enthusiasm for music here. Another highlight has been the rise of pupil-led rock bands. Guided by staff but ultimately self-directed, pupils rehearse, choose their own repertoire, and have performed at events such as Rag Week and the Surbiton Festival. It’s inspiring to see them take initiative and connect music to wider School life.
Looking ahead, how do you see music continuing to shape School life?
We’re constantly trying to integrate more music into the life of the School. For example, I’m collaborating with Miss Rogers to bring more live music into Houses & Charity events such as the Fashion & Arts Showcase, and last year we introduced live music at Sports Day to great success. Next week, we’ll take one of our choirs to central London for our Alumni Carol Service, connecting current pupils with generations of former students. These experiences deepen engagement and show how music is woven into the fabric of our community.
Learn more about Surbiton High Senior School’s Music Department.